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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 334 ..
MRS BURKE (continuing):
Mr Speaker, it is timely that Ms Tucker has brought on this MPI today. She has talked about the responsibility of the government to ensure there is adequate public housing in the territory. I agree with her on that point. It is vital that there is enough public housing stock to meet the needs of the ACT. What Ms Tucker leaves out of the topic, however, is the need for governments to be clear and consistent in their handling of this portfolio. What are the real needs? Are we truly looking and listening? Are we taking a step back from the emotion? Should we be doing things differently and more expediently?
The Minister for Housing has not been as clear as he could have been about the plans for ACT Housing divesting itself of certain housing stock. In particular, I am not sure he has been as forthcoming about the fate of the Currong apartments as he could have been, despite the best efforts of my colleagues, Mrs Cross and Ms Dundas.
Mr Speaker, in order to help clarify the position of the government, I seek leave to present the following document.
Leave granted.
MRS BURKE: I table the following paper:
ACT Housing-Copy of proposal for capital works funding for replacement stock and fire safety improvements for the large multi unit sites.
That is page 5 of the draft ACT Housing business case, dated February 2002. This document details the strategy for the replacement of multiunit stock, and includes a strategy for withdrawal from these properties-in 2002-03, Owen flats, DeBurgh Maisonettes, Lyneham Flats, and Currong Apartments. It goes on to show that in 2003-04, Housing will rid itself of Gowrie Court.
In 2004-05, out goes Kanangra Court and, in 2005-06, we lose Stuart Flats. Then we have later dates for the divestment of Northbourne Turner, Northbourne Braddon, Allawah Court, and Bega Court.
Mr Speaker, admittedly this is an old document. Nonetheless, it is somewhat at odds with the statements made publicly by the Minister for Housing, particularly his statements on the future of Currong Apartments.
Regardless of the age of the document, there is a paragraph which is telling. It says:
Reports on Stuart Flats, Gowrie Court and Currong Apartments have found that upgrading of these properties cannot be justified and that they are at the end of their economic life.
In light of this document, Ms Tucker's concern is justified. We have a Housing Minister who was aware in February/March last year that these properties cannot be upgraded and are at the end of their useful life. A whole year has passed, and what has the government done?
Mr Wood: Your mob just used to knock them down. Look at Lachlan Court, Macpherson Court and Burnie Court.
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